Richard Afable, MD, MPH, 2018 chair, CHA and CAHHS boards of trustees, and trustee, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center, will present the conference’s opening session on Feb. 19, titled “Behavioral and Mental Health Crisis: An Epidemic and An Opportunity.” Dr. Afable will explore the crisis within California’s behavioral health system, which is fragmented, unresponsive to consumer needs, does not always emphasize recovery and serves only a fraction of those in need. Attendees will learn more about ways to solve this crisis using several types of emergency and crisis services under development within California, and the potential roles that volunteers play in the solutions.

Joan Cardellino oversees a statewide network of committees serving hospital volunteer programs and services. Responsibilities include planning and implementing an annual conference and educational events; staffing the Committee on Volunteer Services; creating new products, seminars and/or publications; regular consultations with more than 400 member hospitals; and forming and maintaining strategic alliances, joint ventures and community partnerships at the state and national levels to advance volunteerism in hospitals.